What impact does radiation have on rapidly dividing cells?

Radiation significantly impacts rapidly dividing cells because these cells are more sensitive to damaging effects. This sensitivity arises from the fact that rapidly dividing cells, such as those found in cancer, bone marrow, skin, and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, are in a constant state of division and, therefore, are at a higher risk of suffering from disruptions to their DNA. When radiation hits these cells, it can cause various forms of damage, including breaks in the DNA strands, which can result in cell death, inflammation, or necrosis.

Inflammation occurs as a response to tissue damage, which can lead to additional complications in healing processes. Necrosis, or the premature death of cells, can result in significant loss of functional tissue, particularly in organs that rely on a steady turnover of cells to repair and regenerate. This is why the impact of radiation on rapidly dividing cells is often detrimental, as it disrupts normal cellular processes and can lead to adverse health effects.